When does Australia play its next Test match? Opponents, dates, venues for Australia’s upcoming Test schedule

After an eight-month absence Test cricket is back for Australia with an intense period of 15 matches in just seven months.

The Sporting News outlines everything you need to know about Australia’s upcoming Test schedule.

Australia’s red ball squad is currently taking part in the two-Test home winter series against Bangladesh.

The matches are being played in Darwin and Mackay, with Great Barrier Reef Arena in Mackay set to become Australia’s 12th Test venue.

Following the Bangladesh series, Australia will tour South Africa and play three Test matches against the reigning ICC World Test Champions in October 2026 as well as three ODI matches.

It will be the first time Australia has toured South Africa for a Test series since the infamous ‘sandpaper gate’ match of 2018.

Trans-Tasman rivals New Zealand will tour Australia next summer playing four Tests in Perth, Adelaide, Melbourne and Sydney between November 2026 and January 2027.

All four Tests against the Kiwis will be played as day matches and there will be no Test held in Brisbane.

When

Opponent

Venue

13-17 August 2026

Bangladesh (First Test)

Marrara Stadium, Darwin

22-26 August 2026

Bangladesh (Second Test)

Great Barrier Reef Arena, Mackay

9-12 October 2026

South Africa (First Test)

Kingsmead Stadium, Durban

18-22 October 2026

South Africa (Second Test)

St. George's Park, Gqeberha

27-31 October 2026

South Africa (Third Test)

Newlands, Cape Town

9-13 December 2026

New Zealand (First Test)

Perth Stadium

17-21 December 2026

New Zealand (Second Test)

Adelaide Oval

26-30 December 2026

New Zealand (Third Test)

Melbourne Cricket Ground

4-8 January 2027

New Zealand (Fourth Test)

Sydney Cricket Ground

Following the New Zealand home series, Australia will travel to India for a five-Test away series in January and February 2027 competing for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. 

They will then return to Australia for the one-off 150th Anniversary Test Match against England at the MCG from 11-15 March 2027 before heading to England for the Ashes Tour in June 2027.